The Morris Township Committee meeting on December 18, 2024, focused heavily on the township's ongoing efforts to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and the challenges faced in this initiative. Deputy Mayor Joffe highlighted the committee's commitment to clean energy since 2019, emphasizing the installation of EV charging stations throughout the township, including at town hall and the community pool. Despite these efforts, frustrations arose regarding the inability to purchase EVs through state contracts, which has hindered the committee's goal of converting the municipal fleet to electric vehicles.

Committee members expressed disappointment over the lack of available EVs, citing supply chain issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant barrier. The township had budgeted for the purchase of EVs in both 2022 and 2023, but delays meant that only a hybrid vehicle was acquired during that time. The committee noted that the cost of EVs has risen sharply, with a Ford Escape now exceeding $50,000, compared to $34,000 for the same model just three years prior.

The discussion also touched on the need for immediate vehicle replacements due to safety concerns with older models still in use. The committee approved the purchase of a Ford Ranger pickup truck as a temporary solution, while also considering a Ford Explorer for other municipal needs. However, some members argued for a more aggressive approach to sourcing vehicles, suggesting that the township should negotiate directly with dealerships if state contracts do not yield results.

The meeting concluded with a call for a reevaluation of the budget for vehicle purchases in the upcoming year, with suggestions to increase the allocated funds to better reflect current market prices. The committee remains committed to its environmental goals but faces significant hurdles in achieving them due to external constraints.